Press Release: Opening Ceremony
Research on Armenian Architecture (RAA) Foundation Marks 55th Anniversary with Grand Opening of New Headquarters in Yerevan
Yerevan, Armenia – May 7, 2025 — The Research on Armenian Architecture (RAA) Foundation proudly celebrated its 55th anniversary with the inauguration of its newly acquired office in Yerevan. The milestone event brought together about 80 esteemed guests including Jora Manoucherian, President of RAA-USA and Chairman of the RAA Foundation; Rouben Galichian, Deputy Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees; Margrit Hakhnazarian and Artashes Kakoyan, trustees; Foundation’s Director, Emma Abrahamyan; and deputy Directors, Raffi Kortoshian, Armen Gevorgyan, and Ashot Hakobyan. They were joined by cultural leaders, heritage experts, and dedicated members of the RAA team.
Raffi Kortoshian, Deputy Director of the RAA Foundation, expressed heartfelt thanks to supporters, whose generosity made the new three-story headquarters possible, most notably RAA-USA Guardians, the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, Arthur and Lily Seredian, and many others.
He mentioned that Dr. Armen Hakhnazarian launched the first scientific expedition in 1969, a mission later expanded by renowned historian and monumentologist Samvel Karapetyan.
The event also marked the official opening of two new spaces: a lecture hall named after Armen Hakhnazarian and a library dedicated to Samvel Karapetyan.
A commemorative film highlighted RAA’s impressive legacy: 242 scientific expeditions, over 650,000 photographs, documentation of 4,000 monuments, the production of 20 films, and the publication of more than 220 books and journals. These achievements stand as a testament to the Foundation’s enduring mission to preserve Armenian architectural heritage across the globe.
Guests toured the Foundation’s library, which houses an invaluable collection of rare books and archival materials gathered over decades of fieldwork. A plaque at the lecture hall displays the words of founder Armen Hakhnazarian: “Our goal is to save Armenian architecture outside Armenia, at least on paper…”
Mr. Jora Manoucherian, President of RAA USA, addressed the audience, reflecting on RAA-USA’s support of the Foundation since its inception in 1996. He outlined major initiatives including the establishment of a central office in Yerevan, the repatriation and consolidation of Hakhnazarian’s archives, and the digitization of the Foundation’s extensive database. He praised the tireless efforts of Rouben Galichian and legal advisors; Artashes Kakoyan and Sevak Aleksanyan, stating: “Today, we are proud to welcome you to our very own home.” In recognition of their invaluable contributions, appreciation awards were presented to Rouben Galichian, Artashes Kakoyan, Sevak Aleksanyan, Emma Abrahamyan, Raffi Kortoshian, Armen Gevorgyan, and Ashot Hakobyan.
Rouben Galichian, Deputy Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, highlighted Armen Hakhnazarian’s personal financial support for the organization since its founding in 1969—first in Iran, then in Armenia.
Mr. Galichian underscored that, thanks to the unwavering commitment of RAA/USA and the instrumental efforts of Mr. Manoucherian, this long-standing vision was ultimately fulfilled through the acquisition of this new office building. He closed by thanking RAA/USA, all donors, and supporters of RAA’s mission.
Mrs. Margrit Hakhnazarian, widow of founder Armen Hakhnazarian, offered a poignant reflection on the varying conditions of Armenian architectural heritage abroad.
She praised the preservation efforts in Iran, contrasted with the tragic destruction in Turkey and Artsakh, and emphasized the urgent need for documentation and public awareness.
Mrs. Emma Abrahamyan concluded the presentations by expressing deep gratitude to long-time supporters such as Levon Hakhverdyan, Anna Asatryan, and Ararat Asatryan.
She recounted the pivotal partnership between Armen Hakhnazarian and Samvel Karapetyan and the critical role of international support in making the new headquarters a reality.
Guests were invited to join a warm reception featuring food and refreshments. The celebration concluded on a high note, marking not just a milestone but a renewed commitment to preserving Armenian cultural heritage for generations to come.
The full ceremony can be viewed below or in our YouTube Channel here.
